A high-speed chase ended in East Los Angeles today, with the Los Angeles Sheriff's Department apprehending a driver who had been leading deputies on a reckless pursuit across the San Gabriel Valley. According to CBS Los Angeles, the chase began when the individual in a Hyundai Elantra started driving erratically, which included racing down surface streets in Montebello at speeds of up to 70 mph, ignoring stop signs, and at times, driving against traffic.
The pursuit continued unabated into residential areas of East Los Angeles, where the suspect's disregard for traffic laws posed an increased risk to public safety. Law enforcement officials indicated that around 11:15 a.m., the driver then took the northbound 5 Freeway before quickly exiting into Boyle Heights, where they decided to dramatically go off-road, driving onto a dirt area in the freeway median.
As reported by KTLA, the vehicle, which was not suitable for such terrain, ultimately came to rest beneath a 60 Freeway underpass near Pomona Boulevard. The driver then abandoned the car and attempted to continue on foot.
Deputies searched for the suspect in a grassy area under the freeway, eventually locating and to forcefully take him into custody. The California Highway Patrol, who had at one point taken over the chase, was also involved in the pursuit. The exact reason behind the individual's flight, as well as their identity, has not been disclosed at this time.
